Information and Assistance – “Staying Independent” Fair: Falls are neither a sign of aging nor a consequence of aging. Olympic Area Agency on Aging Nurse Services and Senior Information and Assistance are hosting a free Information Assistance Staying Independent Fair on Thursday, April 12, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 W. Chance A La Mer NW. There will be professional guest speakers, clinics and exhibits which will include information on services for older adults and persons with disabilities, with a focus on staying independent and preventing falls. Professional guest speakers will include representatives from the City of Ocean Shores, the Ocean Shores Fire Department, and the Aberdeen area, as well as fitness, legal, medical and mental health experts. Clinics will include orthostatic blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, oral health, depression, fall risk assessment, strength and balance testing, footwear assessment, medication “brown bag” (bring a complete list of your medications for review by a pharmacist), a SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor) will also be available to answer questions, and the S.A.I.L. (Staying Active and Independent for Life) exercise program. Exhibits will include information on medical supplies and equipment, legal issues, family caregiving, Lifeline, health and diet, nursing, and environmental home modifications. Several free drawing gifts have been donated by businesses in the community. Lunch will be provided; so come and enjoy a fun-filled, educational day. This event is free and open to the public. Come for a short visit or stay all day. If you have any questions please call 1-866-582-1487 or (360) 538-2457. The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance 7 day notice by calling Paulette Dodgen at 1-866-582-1487 or (360) 538-2457 or emailing her at dodgepj@dshs.wa.gov.
AARP DRIVER SAFETY: This class, developed by AARP, is designed especially for motorists 50 and older. Drivers under age 55 may also qualify; check with your insurance company. It covers a wide range of driving situations. There are no tests. A nominal fee of $14 per person is required. AARP members (proof of membership required) can receive a $2 discount. Class size is limited and they are offered on a first come first serve basis, so pre-registration is required. Please note that class times may vary. To register, or for further information, call the phone number listed for the class you would like to attend. HOQUIAM LIBRARY: Mar. 14 and 15, 8 a.m. to noon. To register call Dan Burns at (360) 538-1440; OCEAN SHORES CONVENTION CENTER: Apr. 24 and 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to register call Joe Reason at (360) 589-3012;
HOQUIAM SENIOR CENTER: Will host a Spring Bazaar and Clearance Sale at the Center, 707 Simpson Ave. (Emerson Manor) on Saturday Mar. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be free cake and coffee and the public is welcome. New and gently used items will be offered, as well as items from local crafters. Sandwiches and chips will be available for lunch. Trinkets and Treasures will have a donation station for gently used or new items for the store. Also, there will be tables available to sell your items; $20.00 for non-seniors and $10 for seniors. For more information, contact Stephanie Glover at (360) 532-5868.
RELATIVES AS PARENTS PROGRAM: Are you raising other relatives’ children? The public is invited to the monthly support group for Relatives as Parents, where you can come and meet other families and learn about important resources that may be available to you. The Relatives as Parents Support Group meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month. This month’s Support Group meeting will be on Thursday, Feb 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church Social Hall, 2515 Sumner in Aberdeen. They will provide the main-dish for the monthly Pot-Luck and welcome your participation. If able, please bring a side-dish. For answers to questions or more information, please call Eric at (360) 538-2458 or 1-866-582-1485 or Chris, at (360) 532-0520, Ext. 103. The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance 7 day notice by calling Eric Nessa at (360) 538-2458.
ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP: (WESTPORT) meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month, 1:00 p.m., at the Westport Senior House, 114 E. Pacific Ave. You will also receive information on the Senior Companion Program and Respite Care. All are welcome. You are also welcome to bring the loved one you care for. For information call Verna at (360) 268-0156.
DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP: Grays Harbor Community Hospital hosts a monthly free diabetes support group at the East Campus Diabetes and Nutrition Education Classroom, first floor in the old cafeteria, 9-10 a.m. every fourth Friday of the month (except Nov. and Dec. – see schedule). There will be a variety of guest speakers to address health issues related to diabetes. Come and share your challenges with others at the next meeting scheduled for Feb. 24. Feel free to bring a friend. For more information please call (360) 537-6160. For information on Willapa Harbor Hospital’s Diabetic Support program (South Bend) please call (360) 875-4536.
The Living Well with Chronic Conditions in Washington State website is now available. This website is dedicated to healthy aging and self-management programs. Living Well with Chronic Conditions in Washington State is a website for providers and potential providers, leaders, trainers and participants to learn about healthy aging and self management programs. On this site you will find links to: Programs, Training, Workshops, Resources and Events both locally and throughout Washington State. To visit the Living Well website please go to: http://livingwell.doh.wa.gov
HARBORS HOME HEALTH HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS: Harbors Home Health Hospice is seeking additional volunteers in the Aberdeen-Hoquiam area. Hospice volunteers provide much-needed short breaks to caregivers of hospice patients. They will be offering 20 hours of volunteer training at their Hoquiam offices beginning March 9, continuing March 16, 23, and 30. This is an opportunity for interested members of the community to learn about hospice and to gain skills necessary to become a volunteer with their agency; skills that are also beneficial to anyone needing to care for a loved one. For more information or to register for the training, please contact Beth Peterson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (360) 532-5454 or 1-800-772-1319, or email: beth@myhhhh.org. There is a $5 charge for the course manual.
NATIONAL Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Do you have a senior or any family member or loved one with mental illness? nami, the largest affiliate of mental illness in the U.S., has formed a local affiliate, NAMI Washington Coast. They are a beacon of hope and their mission is to support the lives of those affected by mental illness, and their families. Educational classes are as follows: OCEAN SHORES: third Monday of the month, 6 p.m. at the Galilean Church, 824 Ocean Shores Blvd. Call (360) 289-4884. ABERDEEN: second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. at the Pearsall Building large conference room, 2109 Sumner Ave. Call (360) 532-0370.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI): A new Bible study group is beginning for those in the faith based community dealing with mental health issues, directly or indirectly. The group meets every other Friday at 7 p.m. at the Galilean Lutheran Church. Refreshments, singing, and prayer. For more information or to register, please call (360) 289-4884 or email awtcarolg@aol.com
Source: Olympic Area Agency on Aging and Senior Information Assistance. Please visit our website at http://www.o3a.org/